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caylieratzlaff's review
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
I love Katie Henry's sense of humor, and I was curious to see how this one would be since the cover (yes, I'm that kind of reader) didn't match the theme of previous novels. We're introduced to Gideon, who is most definitely neurodivergent in some way -- even if it's not explicitly stated -- who is a "boy detective" albeit retired...for like the first 10% of the book. He notices patterns, details, all the things that makes him weird and socially awkward along with his passion for film noir. And Lily, who is his ex best-friend but needs his detective skills even though they haven't talked in years. And the magical newspaper family. And Tess' the girl of Gideon's dreams.
Oh, and a murder. And a giant crime spree. Oh, and a mystery. Oh, and Gideon and Lily just keep finding themselves deeper and deeper in this massive conspiracy...as high schoolers.
This book was hilarious, but it also had BEAUTIFUL parts and quotes about living life and being who you are. I really appreciated Gideon's development, along with his relationship with his dad and them learning to understand each other. I also, while I appreciated Tess and Gideon's romance, REALLY appreciated the friendship between Lily and Gideon.
I only deducted a star just because some of the felony offenses (which were rightfully pointed out as FELONY OFFENSES) were a bit much...like, what high schoolers are REALLY going to do ALL of that for a school newspaper?
I also think this could be adapted for a TV show and be SO good.
I love Katie Henry's sense of humor, and I was curious to see how this one would be since the cover (yes, I'm that kind of reader) didn't match the theme of previous novels. We're introduced to Gideon, who is most definitely neurodivergent in some way -- even if it's not explicitly stated -- who is a "boy detective" albeit retired...for like the first 10% of the book. He notices patterns, details, all the things that makes him weird and socially awkward along with his passion for film noir. And Lily, who is his ex best-friend but needs his detective skills even though they haven't talked in years. And the magical newspaper family. And Tess' the girl of Gideon's dreams.
Oh, and a murder. And a giant crime spree. Oh, and a mystery. Oh, and Gideon and Lily just keep finding themselves deeper and deeper in this massive conspiracy...as high schoolers.
This book was hilarious, but it also had BEAUTIFUL parts and quotes about living life and being who you are. I really appreciated Gideon's development, along with his relationship with his dad and them learning to understand each other. I also, while I appreciated Tess and Gideon's romance, REALLY appreciated the friendship between Lily and Gideon.
I only deducted a star just because some of the felony offenses (which were rightfully pointed out as FELONY OFFENSES) were a bit much...like, what high schoolers are REALLY going to do ALL of that for a school newspaper?
I also think this could be adapted for a TV show and be SO good.
luckycharmedlovesbooks's review
4.0
Gideon Green in Black and White was such an enjoyable, emotional read. When I saw that it was compared to Turtles All the Way Down and Truly Devious, I had high expectations but also was prepared for it to not be either of those. And I was pleasantly surprised to find that Gideon, Lily and Tess did not let me down! Gideon was a kid detective who helped solve crimes from the age of 8 to 10. Lily was his best friend at the time and then suddenly stopped talking to him one day. Gideon, in his lonesomeness, turned to noir films and stayed in his room most of the time. One day, Lily needs his help solving a crime through becoming part of the school newspaper. Gideon finds a new home in the newspaper office while also falling for Tess, the newspaper editor. I listened to this one on audio and genuinely loved the characters. It made me laugh and it made me cry.
Thank you to Katherine Tegen books and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Katherine Tegen books and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
angelia07's review
2.0
there’s nothing worse in a book than the teenage detective being superior to everybody else. nobody cares !
laceydbell's review
5.0
I’m so incredibly grateful to Katie Henry for sending me an ARC.
Heretics Anonymous, Henry’s debut novel, has been my favorite of hers up until this point. Now I’m not so sure if Gideon Green may have dethroned it, but I refuse to decide. They can both live happily as my top two picks from her so far.
Gideon Green in Black and White features a main character who is very passionate about film noir and getting to the truth. In this book, we follow Gideon while he attempts to get to the truth of a mystery as well as uncover some truths within his family.
Something KH does so well is nuance. Her books are full of it. This one had such a great message about telling your own story as well as the truth not always being a black and white thing.
KH is also fantastic at writing relatable characters. Each of her novels contains something I can relate to. In GG, I related SO MUCH to both Gideon and his dad. In regards to Gideon, I can totally understand feeling like everything you say and do is going to be criticized or shot down. In regards to his father, I understand realizing you’re too hard on your child and fearing they hate you. I’m ALSO the parent of a very Gideon-like child, so all of this had such an emotional impact on me when the two characters were forced to talk about their challenges. I like that KH’s characters aren’t perfect, but they’re given opportunities to grow and learn and change.
The mystery aspect of this novel was very well done as well. I never would’ve pegged Henry as a mystery writer, but it was incredibly well thought-out and managed to take some very surprising twists and turns.
Admittedly, it took me about halfway through the book to feel invested, but once I was there, there was no going back. Like I said, I refuse to decide if this is my favorite by her or not, but it’s definitely in the top two. KH could never write anything that I wouldn’t drop every thing to read.
Heretics Anonymous, Henry’s debut novel, has been my favorite of hers up until this point. Now I’m not so sure if Gideon Green may have dethroned it, but I refuse to decide. They can both live happily as my top two picks from her so far.
Gideon Green in Black and White features a main character who is very passionate about film noir and getting to the truth. In this book, we follow Gideon while he attempts to get to the truth of a mystery as well as uncover some truths within his family.
Something KH does so well is nuance. Her books are full of it. This one had such a great message about telling your own story as well as the truth not always being a black and white thing.
KH is also fantastic at writing relatable characters. Each of her novels contains something I can relate to. In GG, I related SO MUCH to both Gideon and his dad. In regards to Gideon, I can totally understand feeling like everything you say and do is going to be criticized or shot down. In regards to his father, I understand realizing you’re too hard on your child and fearing they hate you. I’m ALSO the parent of a very Gideon-like child, so all of this had such an emotional impact on me when the two characters were forced to talk about their challenges. I like that KH’s characters aren’t perfect, but they’re given opportunities to grow and learn and change.
The mystery aspect of this novel was very well done as well. I never would’ve pegged Henry as a mystery writer, but it was incredibly well thought-out and managed to take some very surprising twists and turns.
Admittedly, it took me about halfway through the book to feel invested, but once I was there, there was no going back. Like I said, I refuse to decide if this is my favorite by her or not, but it’s definitely in the top two. KH could never write anything that I wouldn’t drop every thing to read.
katreadsalot's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this story! Our neurodiverse main character was a joy to root for and I absolutely adored the parent-child relationship in this book. Excellently narrated on audio.
margali87's review
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
elyssathelibrarian's review
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
matcharlyy's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
maddness22's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was having a bad day so I knew Katie Henry would pick me right up and, once again, her words never failed me! She has a magic way of creating such delightful characters in quirky scenarios. I'm always so nostalgic for my own high school days when I read her work and this book is no exception. I loved the mystery element and the relationship between Gideon and his dad. A delightful read that really cheered me up and made my day a little brighter despite the gloomy weather and poor day at work!